In the 1980's the City acquired over 1,600 acres in the Christmas area of unincorporated east Orange County that is now the Orlando Wetlands Park.  The property addresses are 24200 and 25155 Wheeler Road.  See attached Map and Guide.  

The property was acquired from the McCall families.  The McCall families retained the hunting and fishing rights for the property that extend to the year 2038.  The City would like to acquire the hunting and fishing rights so that the City's ownership and use of the Orlando Wetlands Park is no longer impacted by the agreements.  

The Wastewater Division is interested in purchasing the hunting rights from the McCall families for several reasons:

· City Staff must collect water quality from the Wetlands Park each day of the year.  The Agreement is cumbersome for staff as safety orange vests must be worn and a signage system is used to allow hunters and staff to know when each party is working on the property.  

·         During the hunting season, City staff typically has to wait on hunters before proceeding to the field for a variety of sampling and management activities.  Removing the hunting right will allow staff more flexibility in managing the Wetlands Park. 

·         The priority of the Wetlands Park is to polish reclaimed water before it is discharged to the St. Johns River.  Its second goal is to provide wildlife habitat.  Removing the hunting rights will ensure that all wildlife is protected from hunting pressure and help the Park to provide quality habitat and refuge to all species year round.

·         The rights cause the Orlando Wetlands Park to close to the public from November 15 through the end of January each year.  Each year staff deals with numerous complaints from the public who would like to enjoy the Park during these cooler months.

·         With the Park being open during November – January each year, Orange County Public Schools will be able to send additional tours of school aged children through the Park for educational tours.

The City had the hunting and fishing rights independently appraised and the market value is $400,000.  The Gary McCall and Ron McCall families have agreed to split the value of the hunting and fishing rights 50% each or $200,000 for each family. The City will pay for the real estate closing costs.